Checkerboard Mesa Canyon Trail is a difficult hike in Zion National Park that requires some route finding and scrambling, but if you're looking for a big off-the-beaten path adventure this is a great option. The trail begins along the Mount Carmel Highway and takes you through a canyon. Stay to the left side of the canyon when things get narrow and drop off. Eventually you'll hike to the backside of Checkerboard Mesa where the trail opens up into a vast desert landscape. From there you'll need to navigate with cairns as you make your way to the East Fork of the Virgin River, which lies just beyond the park boundaries.

Checkerboard Mesa Canyon Trail Stats

Trailhead Location: Google Maps

Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.

Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. There isn't an official trailhead, so you have to park at a pull out along the highway. There's a fairly large pull out near the beginning of the canyon, but parking spaces are limited.

Distance: 8.3 miles out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 1,720 ft.

Difficulty: Difficult (8-9/10)

Estimated Hike Time: 4-5 hours

Dog-friendly: No

AllTrails Link